The History Channel

2 days ago | history.com | Lesley Kennedy

Alcatraz Island, located in San Francisco Bay, is best known as the site of the notorious former federal prison, but its history extends far beyond that. Here are six common questions about the national landmark. What was on the island before it was a prison? Named “Isla de los Alcatraces” by Spanish explorer Lieutenant Juan Manuel de Ayala in 1775, the 22-acre Alcatraz Island was originally a natural habitat for seabirds.

5 days ago | history.com | Kieran Mulvaney

The scientists and explorers on these missions had little to no idea what they would find. President Jefferson counseled Lewis and Clark to keep an eye out for monsters. Published: May 09, 2025Last Updated: May 09, 2025At the dawn of the 19th century, before the American West was filled in on maps, it was a blank space full of questions. The people of a newly independent United States knew remarkably little about the vast expanses of land that stretched far to the west of the original 13 colonies.

5 days ago | history.com | Christopher Klein

After the last wisps of white smoke dissolve into the Vatican sky and a newly elected pope steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the pomp and ceremony of the papal installation do not end. Usually within a week of his election by the conclave of cardinals, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church presides over a solemn mass where he receives the papacy’s traditional symbols. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims attend the investiture ceremony in St. Peter’s Square or the basilica.

5 days ago | history.com | Adam Sowards

The 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption wrecked landscapes and took human life, but left many ecological lessons in its wake. Corbis via Getty ImagesPublished: May 09, 2025Last Updated: May 09, 2025After rumbling all spring, Mount St. Helens finally erupted at 8:32 on Sunday morning, May 18, 1980. When President Jimmy Carter flew over the area a few days later, he called the destruction “formidable.” What followed—the response and the ecosystem's recovery—also proved impressive.

6 days ago | history.com | Lesley Kennedy

Five facts about the world's smallest army and their time-honored traditions. Getty ImagesPublished: May 08, 2025Last Updated: May 08, 2025The Swiss Guard, also known as the Pontifical Swiss Guard, is an elite military unit that has guarded the Vatican since the 16th century. According to the Vatican, Pope Julius II founded the Swiss Guard in 1506 to protect the pope and his residence, as many valued the Swiss military and mercenary forces for their loyalty, discipline and combat skills.